THE DUEL.
Next morning, at an early hour, Colonel Townley and Colonel Ker issued
from the prince's head-quarters, and, rather to the surprise of the
guard drawn up in the court-yard, proceeded at a quick pace along the
road leading to Stockport.
In a very few minutes they had left the town behind, for beyond Market
Street Lane it was then open country. Not many persons were on the
road, and these were chiefly country folk bringing poultry, butter,
and milk to market.
Some hundred yards in advance, however, were an officer of rank in the
Highland army, and a tall middle-aged gentleman wrapped in a cloak.
These persons were evidently bent on the same errand as themselves,
and marched on quickly for about a quarter of a mile, when they
stopped at the gate of a large meadow. The ground appeared suitable to
their purpose, inasmuch as it sank at the further end, and formed a
hollow which was screened from view.
Sir Richard Rawcliffe and the Chevalier de Johnstone, for they were
the individuals who had thus halted, punctiliously saluted the others
when they came up, and Johnstone asked Colonel Ker if he thought the
ground would suit.
After consulting his principal, Ker replied in the affirmative, upon
which they all passed through the gate, and made their way to the
hollow.
Before the preliminaries of the duel were entered upon an ineffectual
effort was made by the seconds to adjust the difference. Nothing less
than an apology would satisfy Colonel Townley, but this Sir Richard
haughtily refused.
Finding their efforts fruitless, the seconds then retired--swords were
drawn--hats taken off--and instantly after the salute, the combatants
engaged--the attack being made by a thrust in carte delivered by Sir
Richard, which was well warded by his adversary.
Several passes were then exchanged, and it was evident to the
lookers-on that Colonel Townley meant to disarm his antagonist, and he
soon succeeded in the design by skilfully parrying another thrust,
seizing the shell of Sir Richard's sword, and compelling him to
surrender the weapon.
The seconds then interfered to prevent a renewal of the conflict, but
the baronet, who had received his sword from his adversary, insisted
on going on, when the clatter of horses' hoofs was heard rapidly
approaching the spot, and the next moment the prince appeared, mounted
on a splendid bay charger, and attended by an orderly.
Without waiting a moment, Charles rode down into the hollow, and
pushing between the combatants, ordered them to sheathe their swords.
Of course the command was instantly obeyed.
"A word with you, gentlemen," said the prince, sternly. "You must have
been aware that a hostile meeting between persons of your rank would
be highly displeasing to me, as well as prejudicial to our cause, and
I ought to mark my disapproval of your conduct by something more than
a reprimand, but I am willing to overlook it, provided a
reconciliation takes place between you."
Both bowed, and Colonel Townley signified his assent, but the baronet
maintained a sullen silence.
"I am aware of the grounds of your quarrel," pursued the prince, "and
I hold that you, Sir Richard Rawcliffe, are in the wrong. I trust you
will offer a sufficient apology--not merely to Colonel Townley, but to
Captain Legh, whom you have insulted."
"Your royal highness's injunctions must needs be obeyed," rejoined the
baronet, haughtily. "To Colonel Townley I am quite willing to
apologise; but to Captain Legh----"
"I will accept no apology from you, Sir Richard, in which my friend is
not included," interrupted Colonel Townley. "I have now a right to
demand the cause of the insolent treatment Captain Legh has received,
and an explanation of your reason for refusing him the satisfaction to
which he was entitled."
"Come with me for a moment, Sir Richard," said Charles, taking him
aside. Then bending down towards him, and lowering his voice, he
added, "Certain circumstances have just come to my knowledge, showing
that you must have some knowledge of Atherton Legh's history, and
accounting in some measure for your otherwise incomprehensible conduct
towards him."
Sir Richard endeavoured to hide the confusion into which he was
thrown, but could not conceal it from the searching glance fixed upon
him by the prince.
"Answer me one question?" pursued Charles. "Answer it explicitly? Are
you not Atherton Legh's mysterious guardian?"
The baronet's confusion perceptibly increased. Charles seemed to read
his thoughts.
"I am wholly at a loss to conceive whence your royal highness has
obtained this information respecting me," he said, at length.
"No matter how it has been obtained," remarked Charles, sternly. "Is
it true?"
"It is correct in the main," replied the baronet. "Although I would
gladly be excused from giving any further explanation, I shall be
willing to do so at some more convenient opportunity."
"The explanation cannot be deferred," said the prince,
authoritatively. "After the levée this morning you shall have a
private audience."
"I will not fail to attend upon your royal highness," replied Sir
Richard, evidently much relieved.
But his brow again clouded, when the prince said:
"You will be pleased to bring your daughter with you."
"My daughter!" exclaimed the baronet. "She has nothing whatever to do
with the explanation I have to offer."
"You have heard my injunction, Sir Richard. Both Miss Rawcliffe and
Captain Legh must be present at the audience."
"I make no objection," replied the baronet; "but it pains me to find
that I am viewed with suspicion by your royal highness, to whom I have
given unquestionable proofs of my zeal and devotion."
"Justice must be done, Sir Richard," rejoined the prince, sternly. "If
there has been a wrong it must be righted. The mystery attaching to
this young man's birth must be cleared up, and since you are able to
give the information required, you are bound to furnish it. I shall
expect you and Miss Rawcliffe after the levée."
Then turning to Colonel Townley, he added: "All obstacles to a perfect
reconciliation between you and Sir Richard are now removed. I hope,
therefore, to have the pleasure of seeing you shake hands, and trust
you will become as good friends as ever."
The injunction having been complied with, the prince prepared to take
his departure, saying:
"After a morning duel in France, all those engaged in it--if the
principals are fortunately unhurt, or but slightly wounded--make a
point of breakfasting together, and I don't see why the custom should
not be adopted in this country."
"Nor I," cried Colonel Townley. "I have gained an excellent appetite."
"Then I shall expect you all at breakfast an hour hence," said the
prince. "I have much to do to-day. Among other important matters I
have to attend the muster of your Manchester Regiment," he added to
Colonel Townley.
"I was afraid your royal highness might be prevented," said the
colonel. "And that would have been a great disappointment to us. I
trust you do not feel any ill effects from the rough shake you got
last night."
"A little stiffness--that is all," replied Charles.
"Have you come to any determination in regard to Weir?" inquired
Colonel Ker. "Is he to be shot?"
"No," replied the prince. "I shall send him to the Duke of Cumberland.
Now for a ride round the town. I shall be back in time for breakfast.
Au revoir!"
With this he bounded up the side of the hollow and rode off in the
direction of the town, followed by the orderly.